Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Apple Butternut Squash Soup

I had been reading on your blogs about Greek yogurt, and when I finally saw organic Greek yogurt at my little city's grocery store this past spring, I was inspired and encouraged to try it.

I was going through the checkout, and a portly gentleman of early middle years was eying the foods as I placed them on the conveyor belt.

No point in pretending I didn't know he was standing there so I acknowledged him with a smile.

"I see you bought Greek yogurt," he said. " How do you like it?"

"This is my first purchase, but I like yogurt, so I'm sure I'll like this."

"See you bought Oikos. I've tried the others, but theirs is the best. My refrigerator is stacked with it. Look, see, I bought even more today. I don't want to run out."

He had indeed bought maybe a dozen single-serve containers, making a pyramid with them. I smiled politely, feeling a little possessive of my Greek yogurt. "I used to eat mostly cold cereal and canned soup; you certainly are making much better choices than I did."

He slightly shook his head disapprovingly and tut-tutted me. "Well, it's never to late to start," he admonished.

Then my youngest niece, Laura, graduated from UNH (University of New Hampshire), double major with a GPA that even now makes her Dad swell with pride. The keynote speaker was Gary Hirshberg, CEO (he calls himself CE-Yo, grins) of Stonyfield Farm, the producers of Oikos Greek Yogurt. He is down to earth, committed, takes pride in his company and product, is progressive, and supportive of those students who are interested in agriculture, is a friend to the Earth. His parting message to the graduating class, "Do good work." Aaah, a businessman whose philosophy reflects my own and who walks the talk. Now I am impressed with the man as well as the product.

As it happens, a representative of Stonyfield Farms contacted me and offered to send me some coupons to try their product and to mention them on my blog. I generally have their yogurt in my refrigerator so did not need the added incentive of coupons to give them a nod on my blog. Their generous offer, however, did pique my curiosity about recipes they had on their site and that's when I found their Apple Butternut Squash Soup.

I've discovered that I love pureed vegetable soups (Ole Sweetie-Pi still thinks he'd prefer to forgo the pleasure). I grew up on chowders and stews, with lots of chunky goodness in thickened gravies and broths. I still enjoy them. However, there's something velvety, satisfying, genteel, about pureed vegetable soups. Perhaps it's because there is one dominant ingredient and the rest are back notes, perhaps it's because I make use of vegetables are customarily only served as a side dish at my table. Perhaps it's just because I feel righteous and healthier. Perhaps it's simply because they are darned good.

In a large pot, combine all ingredients except the yogurt.. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes.

Let cool, then put in blender and pulse until smooth. (Or use an immersion blender or food processor.)

Add 1 cup of yogurt and pulse to combine.

Return soup to large pot and reheat slowly being careful not to boil. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with remaining yogurt.

My Notes: I'm not sure how big a "medium" squash is, but I bought the smallest one I could find and used three McIntosh apples. The flavor of the squash shines through; the apples add a nice touch of sweetness. I think the next time I make this, I'll use an additional apple, and perhaps one that is sweeter, such as Red Delicious. The addition of the yogurt adds a delicious creaminess and mouth feel, but I found the yogurt to be particularly tangy, so I might cut back on that a bit. And definitely use fresh herbs if you can. The soup was excellent reheated the next day, and if possible, even better. I'm already looking forward to another bowl of this!

59 comments:

That sounds so good! I just used butternut squash for the first time (making your Butternut Squash Chili) and really enjoyed it. I know I'd like it in a soup! I'll let you know if/when I make this soup.

Hi, I just found your blog browsing over at another blog about food and I just love butternut squash soup. We grow our own butternut squash and always give a lot of it away but I save some for ourselves and we do enjoy. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Take care.

I have been searching for the Oikos yogurt in supermarket after supermarket and found just the single serve size with honey. Since I wanted to cook with it, too, I needed the plain. I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the stores in my area because the list of products I can't find is growing longer. I love Greek yogurt, but not Chobani which leaves only Fage. Your soup looks delish.

Say, this is looking great there Katy. I can totally relate to looking forward to the 'next bowl' on the next day. I've not tried the squash in a puree and this is a great recipe to try. You DO know I love to add a bit of fruit so here we go...a ready made recipe with apples too...love it!

I love pureed veggie soups too. Your soup looks de-lish! I hate when people feel the need to comment on what your buying at the market. I guess if it was a positive comment I would be fine with that. But when the kid bagging groceries says,"Hey your stocking up on veggies! You starting a diet?" I tend to object!!! Yes that has happened to me!!!

Katy, I have never tried squash soup but it sure is pretty served up in such a beautiful cup. It looks so creamy and I bet it tastes just as good as it looks:)How about that..word verification is: supper!!

They sent me some coupons too and now I'm hooked!! I loved the rich creamyness of the vanilla flavored. It is very versatile. I also loved the blueberry flavored. It is healthy and very good (although a little hard on the pocket book!) Your soup looks delicous. I want to try making cheesecake with it.

Hi there lady! Gosh it's been far too long since I was by to visit w/ you! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas... I see Thanksgiving was good w/ a visit from Earl's daughter...that's good. I'll be back soon now that thinsg have slowed down a bit some. Love you!

Hi Katy, Gee, isn't it funny, I just put up a batch of home made yogurt using Oikos Greek yogurt for the first time. I generally use the Stoney Field brand but was curious to see how the Greek brand would work. I LOVE it!!! It's a bit sweeter than the other starter which surprised me but I think it will certainly add another dimension for cooking. I only wish I had made it before I made cream of vegetable soup the other night. I do believe I will try it with your recipe next week.

That's refreshing to hear about the Stonyfield Farms CEO. I haven't tried Greek yogurt, but I definitely love my butternut squash soup. Next time I make a batch I'll try adding a dollop of that yogurt. Hope you're having a good weekend!

Kim, I don't remember how I came by those soup cups. I'm not sure if they were Ole Sweetie-Pi's and this is part of our combined kitchen stuffs, or if it was something that my mother might have given me. We like them too, rustic earthenware mugs, sturdy and holds a couple of good scoops of soup.

I love Greek yogurt too and wish labne was also more widely available- its an even thicker form of the yogurt, more akin to cheese with a certain sourness like yogurt. My only one beef with Greek yogurt is that its so expensive.

I like Stonyfield yogurt too. I think its one of the best on the market.

THis soup sounds amazing. We always have a pot of soup around. So good!

About Me

I am an old-fashioned girl at heart, loving old recipes, while still embracing the new. I look for simplicity, deliciousness, and frugality, with an occasional splurge. Many memories are made around food. Let's make good memories together!